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Louisiana Manslaughter Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges for a homicide offense in Louisiana is a very serious matter. If you have been arrested in connection with a homicide, whether you face murder or manslaughter charges, you need to discuss your case with a skilled defense attorney. A homicide conviction can put you away for decades and cost thousands of dollars in court fees. You need a ruthless attorney like Eric G. Johnson to protect your rights and mitigate the effects of the charges against you.

Understanding Manslaughter Charges in Louisiana

Manslaughter is just one of the many types of homicide crimes for which a person may face criminal charges in Louisiana. It is less severe than first-degree or second-degree murder, but can still lead to harsh penalties. Manslaughter describes what would usually be considered a first- or second-degree murder but lacks a key element: intent.

In a typical scenario, manslaughter takes place in a heated display of passion in which a person is deprived of his normal faculties. Manslaughter must be committed immediately after provocation; otherwise, if the perpetrator has had time to cool off and plan revenge, he commits murder.

Penalties for Manslaughter

A conviction of manslaughter in Louisiana can lead to a maximum 40-year prison sentence with hard labor. Penalties worsen if the victim was under 10 years of age and died as a result of battery:

The sentence cannot be suspended or waived in lieu of probation

The sentence will be a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 50 with hard labor

Regardless of the circumstances that led to your manslaughter charge, your Louisiana manslaughter defense lawyer will check if the prosecution has enough evidence to support it and gather evidence of his own to place you in a favorable light. An attorney like Eric Johnson has decades of experience negotiating to have charges dismissed or reduced, or to receive a lighter sentence.

Other Homicide Charges

Negligent Homicide

Negligent homicide is a lesser offense than manslaughter but can still carry a hefty sentence. Negligent homicide occurs when a person kills another person through criminal negligence. There must be a gross deviation below the standard of care a reasonable person would be expected to maintain under similar circumstances.

An example of negligent homicide may include a situation in which a hurried driver speeds through a red light at an intersection, and strikes and kills the driver of another vehicle entering the intersection legally. The penalties for a conviction of negligent homicide can include either or both of the following:

A maximum 5-year prison sentence with or without hard labor

A maximum $5,000 fine

If the victim was under 10 years of age, the sentence includes a minimum of two years (maximum is still 5 years) in prison with hard labor with no chance of probation, parole, or the suspension of the prison sentence.

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide occurs when a person is operating or in physical control of a vehicle, which, in Louisiana, can be any machine used for transportation. One who commits vehicular homicide is also impaired by alcohol and/or prescription drugs and/or illicit substances. One can only be charged with vehicular homicide if he or she is impaired and murders someone while operating a vehicle, such as a car, truck, bicycle, aircraft, boat, RV, or other means of conveyance.

Vehicular homicide charges are similar to but more severe than DWI charges in Louisiana. If convicted, you could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Don’t allow the situation to get out of hand; the moment you become aware that you are a suspect in a manslaughter investigation, secure competent and experienced criminal defense. The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is here to help you fight to preserve your future. Call 318-377-1555 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

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Attention: While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice